Munich, Germany is a city famous for Christmas markets, but most visitors
always visit the exact same ones. This video is a local guide to Munich's
Christmas market scene featuring ten markets that you can visit from the very
famous to the much lesser-known. And if you're new around here my name is
Christina from HappyToWander.com, shameless Christmas addict and Munich
local for four years. I'll be your tour guide today so put on some stretchy
pants and let's get going. And if you want more insider tips around Europe
just like in this video be sure to hit subscribe for a new video every week.
Number one we'll start with the most famous Christmas market in Munich the
Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, Munich's main square. Because of its
central location in Munich's Old Town this is by far the most touristy and crowded
market but it's popular for a reason, offering stall after stall of
traditional crafts, delightful snacks to be bought and the all too romantic
backdrop of the Neues Rathaus. Be sure to wander around because you'll find
other lovely Christmas market stalls around the square as well including at
the Viktualienmarkt, Munich's largest food market the Rindermarkt, home to a
magical Christmas pyramid and of course in the side streets nearby.
To get an extra magical view be sure to climb up St. Peter's Church tower after
sunset or head up the elevator at the Neues Rathaus for this postcard view.
Within easy walking distance of this first main market you'll find must visit
market number two, the Residenz Weihnachtsdorf.
As far as magic goes, it's a little tough to beat this mini Christmas village
placed in the courtyard of a royal palace. This small market has a cozy
assortment of different vendors selling traditional craft items, ornaments, snacks
and how can I forget: there's a bunch of little animatronic displays that border
on terrifying. In terms of food you're spoiled for choice from candy and sweets
to delicious steak sandwiches or Steaksemmel in Bavaria. It can get crowded in
here but the atmosphere and food are more than worth it. Another magical
Christmas market you have to visit is market number three, the Medieval Market
at Wittelsbacher Platz, one of my favourites in the city and only a short
walk from the Residenz, this Medieval Market is wildly committed to its theme.
Here you can drink Feuerzangenbowle out of clay goblets, shop for authentic
drinking horns and stock up on delightful handmade craft items.
If you're lucky you might even catch entertainment from costumed jugglers and
minstrels who delight the crowds on weekends.
Now from the medieval to the mega modern, let's move on to another amazing Munich
Christmas market. If your goal is to get falalala-lit, make sure you head to market
number four, Tollwood, one of the most beloved winter spots in Munich. Held on
the grounds of the world famous Oktoberfest, this massive alternative
market is comprised of a variety of tents, food stalls and shopping
opportunities but trust me this is unlike any traditional Christmas market
you've ever seen. With an emphasis on organic food, international flair and art
installations all over the place, Tollwood is like the cool alternative cousin
of Munich's Christmas market scene. There's definitely more of a party vibe
here with the festivities extending to 1:00 a.m. every night. It's not a
Christmas cliche by any means but it's a very cool place to put on your list and
a real must do. For Munich's most eccentric market head on to market
number five, the Märchenbazar. Translated to the fairy tale market, this
unique Christmas spot puts an artsy and grungy twist on the traditional
Christmas markets found elsewhere in Munich featuring a mash-up of all sorts
of wonderful things from delicious international foods like vegan döner and
butter chicken to a wide assortment of creative handmade goods. There's a little
something for everyone at this market. Imagine a psychedelic and gritty
fairground with the circus-like aesthetic and that's pretty much the
Märchenbazar. The best part is unlike most Christmas markets in Munich this
one is actually open on Christmas Day.
Another unique Christmas market to visit in Munich is market number six, Pink
Christmas in the Glockenbachviertel, Munich's LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Kitschy, pink and fifty shades of wonderful this
is definitely not your traditional Munich Christmas market. That's right you
can even buy Mermen ornaments here. And speaking of cool, here's a market that
many locals don't even know about: market number seven, the Zauberhafter Weihnachtsmarkt
at the Werksviertel-Mitte, translated to the magical Christmas market.
Located behind Munich's east train station on the site of a former
industrial area and dumpling factory, this market is brand new for 2019. With
its unique venue, human-powered carousel and cool selection of unique stalls this
is one special Christmas market that you don't want to miss if you're craving
something special and different. You may even spot Santa on stilts. For a
much more wholesome experience head to Market number eight, the Chinese Tower
Christmas Market located in the heart of Munich English Garden, one of the world's
largest city parks. Secluded, quiet, and painfully romantic, you'll find plenty of
stalls here selling jewelry and handmade gifts along with a wide selection of
delicious food. There's even an adorable children's area and a chance to play
Bavarian curling. Here's a bonus tip for you too, a little farther in the English
garden on your way to the Universität station, you'll find a super cozy
kiosk selling snacks and glühwein where you can sit in old ski gondolas for an
extra festive treat. And speaking of treats be sure to treat yourself at
market number 9, the Schwabing Weihnachtsmarkt located just outside of the
Münchner Freiheit station. This wonderful artsy market puts a bohemian
twist on Munich's Yuletide festivities offering up a treasure trove of amazing
artisan vendors' crafts, art installations and performances. The atmosphere here is
one of the best in Munich with gifts handcrafted by artisans from around
Germany. If it's unique gifts Hereafter this is the place to go.
Last but not least, we're onto number ten, one of Munich'ss newest and coolest
Christmas markets, the Sternenflotte Christmas market on the Alte Utting,
hosted on an old passenger ship perched on a railway bridge. There's no venue
quite like it in Munich with a truly unique atmosphere complete with murals,
performances and even a fire pit. This is one of the coolest spots in Munich at
Christmastime with a variety of unique stalls to shop at and plenty of food and
drink to choose from. While it's not the most central Christmas market in Munich
it's more than worth the trek. Of course that's not all there are tons of other
amazing Christmas markets and activities available in Munich with even a full-on
Christmas market at the airport, ice-skating at Karlsplatz Stacchus,
a giant Feuerzangenbowle at Isartor, a cozy local market in Haidhausen, a
glühwein festival in Bogenhausen, and so much more. Be sure to visit my full guide
on HappyToWander.com for a complete list of festivities. Now thanks so much
for watching this video smarties, again if you enjoyed it be sure to give me a
thumbs up and subscribe for a weekly video with insider tips just like this
one. Until next week, byeeeeee!!!